In 1806, 36-year-old Beethoven was staying at the palace of Prince Alois von Lichnowsky, his friend and patron, where he struck up a friendship with the prince's young son, Eduard. It was the time of Napoleon's great conquests, and Austria was now occupied by French troops. To show the French officers he was entertaining for dinner "what remains of a prince of Austria", von Lichnowsky made it a point of honor for the composer to play in front of his guests. But Beethoven refused to show his talent. This was out of insubordination, not only to the victors, those "servants of tyranny", but also to his protector, who wanted to show him off. He is and will remain a free man!

Listen to BLYND's creation here.